ABM908 5. Quality grades and standards.pptx

Agriculture

1. ABM-908 Quality Management in Agribusiness Dr. Muhilan Mahendhiran Associate Professor Faculty of Agriculture Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur Quality grades and standards Quality grades and standards; overview and relevance, benefits to consumers, producers and food processors, food grades and standards for various food commodities; cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry products

2. Quality grades and standards Quality grading is based on the standards developed for each product. Quality grades provide a common language among buyers and sellers, which in turn assures consistent quality for consumers.

3. Quality grades and standards Grading Sorting of the agriculture produce into different lots according to their various quality specifications is known as grading. The practice of grading agricultural commodities ensures the farmer’s to adopt the quality specifications for their products, which in turn avoid them being exploited from the traders and obtaining good price for the produce. Since the graded products possess fixed standards there is no scope for cheating consumers. Grading not only benefits the farmers but also protect the consumers from being cheated.

4. Quality grades and standards Criteria for grade standards Agricultural produces are graded according to the standardized grade specification. The quality specification parameters considered to grade the agricultural produce are known as standardized grade specifications. Standardized grade specification of agricultural produce is the main source for classifying other respective products.

5. Quality grades and standards Standardization of grade specification Grade specification considered for grading the agricultural produce need to be standardized. If these specifications are same from one place to other place and one period to anther period and also if it is acceptable by both buyers and sellers only then its called standardized grade specification. Standardised grade specifications can be classified as regional and national specifications.

6. Quality grades and standards Regional and national specifications Standardized grade specifications can be classified as regional and national specifications. If these specifications are applicable for only a specific place, then it is called regional specification. If it is applicable uniformly contry wide then they are called as national specifications. For instance, “ Agmark ” which is existing across the country.

7. Quality grades and standards Constitutes of grade specifications and standardization Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Government of India is responsible for constituting AGMARK specifications. The grade specifications formulating committee representations the formulate specifications for different agricultural produces, to the produces, middlemen and consumers and also to the departments and institutions that are related to production, marketing and regulation of agricultural produce. To formulate the specifications for particular product, one should identify the place of production and marketing centers for that product, from these places, collect the representation model of the produce and classifying them according to the quality specification. After the classification based on its quality, committee will prepare a draft of those specification.

8. Quality grades and standards Constitutes of grade specifications and standardization A draft copy of the specification are sent to the concerned state Government, Organizations and agricultural markets for their suggestion. Suggestions received are checked radically, a suitable suggestions are considered and a final grade specification is formulated which is later published is the Government Gazette. From the day it is published in the Gazette, it will be a standardized grade specification.

9. Quality grades and standards Importance of grading There is no doubt in obtaining a good price for the quality agricultural produce because of grading. Grading of agricultural produce is a benefit for farmers, traders and consumers of Agricultural Marketing System and even it is benefited to whole country. Farmers benefit from grading as they obtain proper price for their produce based on its quality, marketing of the produce will become easy for the traders and consumers to obtain a quality product for the spent money. Graded agricultural produce will create more and competitive demand for a good quality produce in the international markets and also its useful in earning foreign exchange which in turn is a inspiration for the country is development.

10. Quality grades and standards Different levels of grading Grading of agricultural produce is done at different levels these include Grading for exports Grading for domestic purpose Grading at producer’s level

11. Quality grades and standards 1) Grading for exports Among the agricultural produces in India, the spices have huge demand in the International market. As there will be more countries participating in the international market, there are more chances for Indian products to have lot of demand and also can earn more foreign exchange by obtaining a competitive price for the produce. This can be achieved by grading the exportable agricultural produce according the AGMARK standards of Export Quality Contol and Inspection order 1963. This kind of grading done for exporting the produce is known as grading for exports.

12. Quality grades and standards 2) Grading for domestic purpose Grading of agricultural produce for export is mandatory where as for domestic purpose it is optional. In order to retain the quality of the produce and welfare of the consumers has made the grading process necessary to such products according to the AGMARK Standards. Since this grading is done for the welfare of the consumers it is optional and not mandatory.

13. Quality grades and standards 3) Grading at producer’s level Farmers usually do not obtain the profits derived from grading the agricultural produce. In this regard, during the 3 rd  Five year plan, from 1963, a scheme was implemented for grading at producer’s level with a purpose that the profits should reach the farmers directly. Grading at producer’s level were categorized into three sub levels and are followed below: Grading at farm level b) Grading at the Co-operative institutions c) Grading at the regulated markets

14. Quality grades and standards Main function of the grading centers To grade the produce which comes under the jurisdiction of the Co-operative societies. In order to grade the products, Agmark or regional grading specifications are used and grading is done by physical analysis. The suitable extension programs regarding the benefits of grading, methods of drying and cleaning of the produce before introducing into the market is very much essential to create awareness among the farmers. Data pertaining to grading will be forwarded to the concerned institution.

15. Quality grades and standards AGMARK grading Agmark is the short form of Agricultural Marketing and is the standard quality certification under the CAP (Central Agricultural Produce) Act 1937, meant for grading and marking of agricultural produce. The standards are fixed by Agricultural Marketing Advisor, Government of India.

16. Quality grades and standards AGMARK grading The logo of AGMARK for the approved Indian agricultural produce indicates the quality of the produce. Japan, U.K., Australia, Arab countries and worldwide are dependent on AGMARK logo for the India products that are exported such as agricultural, horticultural, forestry produces and products derived from cattle.

17. Quality grades and standards Quality specification One must think before purchasing the products from the market because of back of exact information on the quality of the product. The containers which are possessing AGMARK label or seal, contain uniform quality, unadulterated products and categorization of quality is also been marked on the bag/containers. As main focus is given to the good quality products that possess AGMARK label, it represents the assurance and trust on the quality of the product for the consumers in India and worldwide. A Government agency, which includes scientists and technicians, operates in order to provide unadulterated products as per the quality specifications mentioned on the AGMARK label. AGMARK is a legitimate seal which assures of specific quality and purity of the commodities by following the universal standards.

18. Quality grades and standards Quality control Even though AGMARK labeling to the commodities is voluntary in our country, for the exportable commodities such as agricultural produce and products derived from the cattle, AGMARK labeling is made compulsory by law. Mandatory labeling of Agmark products includes, cigarette, beedi , tobacco, vanspati , acrot , masala products, potato, onion, garilic , hemp, fiber, wool, seta, goat hair, animal leather cover, pulses, basmati rice etc. Before loading the above mentioned commodities to the ship, it has to be tested for AGMARK quality assurance by Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, if not authorized, commodities cannot be transported anywhere from India. In several regions of the country there is change in natural weather to a large extent and so it is the reason for the agricultural produces to obtain various qualities. On the basis of few important attributes, physical and chemical properties are authorized to help for the supply expected products to the consumers. This kind of quality control is implemented in AGMARK.

19. Quality grades and standards Decision on degree of grading The first and foremost attribute to decide the degree of Agmark grading, is by considering the interval value of the product. Materials that are produced and marketed in various regions are collected by fixing certain amount of samples from different sources. In order to know completely about the differences in every property, an appropriate analysis should be taken up on every sample in the laboratory. Samples which indicates the differences in properties are classified into sections or categories appropriately and on this basis AGMARK grading specifications will be prescribed. During the process of implementation, produces, merchants, processors, exporters and consumers are consulted and final decision will be taken regarding the grading specifications. On everyday basis, the degree of grading will be amended from time.

20. Quality grades and standards Stages of AGMARK grading Before providing the AGMARK label to any of the product assortment agency, four steps should be followed. As per the designated methods, one typical sample will be collected by the inspection staff from the pure and uniform assortment agency. These are analyzed by well trained and experienced chemistry scientists. According to the results from the analysis, appropriate AGMARK grading will be decided and provided to the assortment agency. Products are be filled into a containers or  sacks and then it they are sefly  sealed with AGMARK label. While cleaning the commodity, grading, processing, filling the can or sack, putting the label and in all related stages the supervision is done inspection staff unit. Classified and AGMARK labeled can or sack will be released for sale or export.

21. Quality grades and standards Stages of AGMARK grading To avoid the marketing of adulterated products to consumers and to other parts of the world, good quality produces are filled in cans and sacks after grading and Agmark labeling. The sample with AGMARK seal or label is check once again before they are supply to retailers, distributors, railways or ports. The same samples will be analyzed in a regional Agmark laboratory. If any of the commodity is infuse or the quality is below the prescribed level then such commodities will be rejected by removing the AGMARK label. AGMARK label indicates the status of grading of can or sack, it is related to whom and it belongs to which assortment agency. Agmark has stood in third place by providing assurance of quality to agricultural and dairy products which are been utilized more in our country itself.

22. Quality grades and standards AGMARK label Who implies AGMARK label Everyone cannot certify the AGMARK label to grade the produces. Agricultural marketing advisor, Government of India provides authority to the institutes which have suitable equipments, laboratory facilities, healthy grading structure and well trained staff to sort and grade the products under AGMARK. Should compulsorily obey the act and order provided by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection. AGMARK grading agency will facilitate grading of the produce such that all type of consumers in the produce such that all type of consumers in the society can buy the AGMARK products as per their choice. In AGMARK grading, produces will obtain price for their produce based on its quality. Consumers will also be satisfied with respect to the amount they have paid for the products they have purchase. AGMARK graded and marked products will satisfy both buyer and seller. This assurance is due to AGMARK certification and grading and it has built a common platform to both buyers and sellers. The Indian Agricultural produce should obtain reputation in the global markets by the effective action of AGMARK grading and quality control programme .

23. Quality grades and standards AGMARK grading So far the AGMARK brand has got good reputation and known is for free from adulteration of goods. There are about 14000 license holders manufacturing and marketing using the AGMARK certification. Government of India has arranged AGMARK grades for almost all the agro-products and the list is very long. It covers all the food grains, fruits, spices, tobacco, oils, oilseeds etc., 153 commodities and their varieties are given specifications for AGMARK certification. These specification are subject to revision and changes based on improved varieties and based on comments of exports, consumers and market

24. Quality grades and standards Meaning of Grading and Standardization: In marketing functions, grading and standardization are of great help in pricing and sales activities. This activity avoids confusion and doubts on quality or the mix-up of different quality varieties. Common standards enable fair comparison of prices, hence grading units have been set up at each level of cooperative marketing.

25. Quality grades and standards Meaning of Grading and Standardization: Standardization: In rural marketing, two types of standardization are followed: i ) Standardization of weights and measures ii) Standardization of quality.

26. Quality grades and standards Meaning of Grading and Standardization: Standardization is the determination of basic limits on grades or the establishment of model processes and methods of producing, handling and selling goods and services. For weights and measures, India has adopted the MKS (Meter, Kilogram, Seconds) system and hence the standards like kilogram, liters will be accepted as practical standards.

27. Quality grades and standards Meaning of Grading and Standardization: For certain products, different packing standards are followed. In case of cereals and pulses, bags of 100 kg, 50 kg and 25 kg are standard packing. However, for edible oils, 16 kg tin is allowed. Only recently, plastic cans and pouches of 10 kg, 5 kg, 2 kg, 1 kg have come up. Similarly for cotton bale, it is 170 kgs and mango baskets contains fruits in dozens. Most of these are traditionally followed practices.

28. Quality grades and standards Meaning of Grading and Standardization: Standardization of quality is related to attributes like size, color, appearance, texture, moisture content, sweetness etc. Some are measurable and some are assessed by experience and expertise. Some common local language words are used for gradation. For example, coconuts are large size, medium size, and small size. This category is by approximation.

29. Quality grades and standards Meaning of Grading and Standardization: Grading: Grading is categorizing the produce into different lots, each containing similar characteristics.   The characteristics could be one or more of the following type: Size – Big, medium, small, long, short, round, oblong etc.

30. Quality grades and standards Meaning of Grading and Standardization: Flavor – which in turn speaks of taste or class Ripeness (Grown or seasoned) – raw, semi-ripe, ripe in case of fruits, oilseeds, pulses and cereals Length of staple - in case of cotton and jute.

31. Quality grades and standards Meaning of Grading and Standardization: Location oriented – like Goa Alphonso mango Nagpur orange Nasik grapes   - having specific tastes, shape, color etc.,

32. Quality grades and standards Purpose of grading: It protects consumers from unfair trade practices by traders or farmers. It also enables farmers to get price as per quality and grade It works as a basis for fixing price and premium price as per quality.

33. Quality grades and standards Advantages of Grading: It makes price more reasonable to grades and there will be difference in price as per quality Simplification of storage and marketing of different grades Loans can be given based on stored goods as per the grade

34. Quality grades and standards Advantages of Grading: Easier to understand quality available for each grade in case of bulk sale. Once grading is done and exhibited in terms of size, colour and freshness, no more explanation is required as visual observation of the consumer is adequate.   Gradation and keeping products as per grades gives good publicity and client develops automatically. Overall marketing cost can be reduced as repeat evaluation, separation and doubts in the mind of consumer are avoided.

35. Quality grades and standards Advantages of Grading: Price comparison by consumers is easy due to grade identity. The buyer expects least or not risk in the purchases. Grading helps to create perfect competition in the market as it will set a good standard of equivalent grades and materials competition. Overall marketing cost can be reduced as repeat evaluation, separation and doubts in the mind of consumer are avoided.

36. Quality grades and standards Inspection for Agro product: Inspection is required to:   decide on control measures to be taken against insects, infestation and spoilage.   take a decision if the produce is fit for human consumption, or it has been deteriorated and can not be consumed. know the conditions of the whole lot based on evaluation of the sample lot.

37. Quality grades and standards Inspection for Agro product: Inspection is required for fixing price based on how old it is and changes in colour , strength, resale value etc. If material is infested, it is necessary to know if it is very heavy, moderate, negligible or none. Quantity inspection is also required to know loss due to rodents, pilferage (the act or practice of stealing small quantities or articles). Inspection by third party is more helpful to get both unbiased and expert comments. This certainly helps to take appropriate steps in quality control.

38. Quality grades and standards Inspection for Agro product: Periodic inspection is the best way of quality control. It enables to take corrective actions before it is too late. Inspection is randomly arranged by government officials and inspectors to ensure consumer safety.

39. Quality grades and standards Quality control analysis of Agro product: For analysis to find various discrepancies and to understand the grade, the samples need to be taken. Various factors for analysis are as follows: Foreign matter Damaged produce Immature grains Admixture Other grains

40. Quality grades and standards Quality control analysis of Agro product: Foreign matter Any organic or inorganic material other than grain is in this category. Examples are straw, chaff, weed seeds, dust and earth sand lumps Damaged produce: Internal damage and discolouration is one of the defects in grains. Some will be partly damaged and discoloured . This affects the quality of the food grains.  

41. Quality grades and standards Quality control analysis of Agro product: Immature grains: Grains that are not properly developed, shrunk in shape and which are still green are to be treated as immature. The crop is cut ahead of its due time. Admixture: Different grades of grains are mixed in the lot. Other grains: Mix up of some other food grains or oilseeds is to be curtailed.

42. Quality grades and standards India’s Progress in Grade Specifications: During British rule in 1937, The Agricultural Produce Act was formulated, covering grading and processing aspects. The Act has been amended several times as per changing trends in agro-related products and more stringent quality standards required for exports. The AMA (Agriculture Marketing Advisor) to the Government of India is authorized to monitor the provisions of this Act.

43. Quality grades and standards India’s Progress in Grade Specifications: In the beginning stages, the AGMARK was not very popular but now it has 153 commodities listed with different specific grades. The AMA (Agriculture Marketing Advisor) can make suitable changes and modifications in the Act. AMA staff undertakes actual inspection work and can take the tests randomly at any place like market, godowns or farm houses.

44. Quality grades and standards India’s Progress in Grade Specifications: They (AMA : Agriculture Marketing Advisor) have authority to cancel license if the produce is not found as per the grade specified on the packing. In India, developing grade culture in practice has been time consuming and an inconvenient process, the main reason being illiteracy. Rural people are with less education and less progress conscious compared to urban people.

45. Quality grades and standards India’s Progress in Grade Specifications: Hence any education and training in rural area is a slow process.   Only in the last two decades there is more improvement due to audio-visual (TV) effect. This is the best form of explanation and information specially for the rural public.

46. Quality grades and standards Producers’ problems in Grading: Farmers in India are either illiterates or literates to the extent of reading newspapers. Asking them to do high quality work is a difficult task. Some of the common feelings and constraints in grading at the producers stage are as follows: The agricultural produce are perishables and some are fast perishables. Hence there is very little the produces can do about perishables like milk, butter, ghee, fruits and vegetables.

47. Quality grades and standards Producers’ problems in Grading: Producers, especially small and marginal farmers need money and they can’t delay the goods sale for grading work. To get uniformity of production in vast area is partly not in control of the farmer. Out of 20 acre land, the produce quality and size may vary from one end to the other. The effects of water and manure varies from point to point. There could be side effects of pesticides in some portions of the crop area. Hence, to get standard produce is not always workable.

48. Quality grades and standards Producers’ problems in Grading: It is felt that in case of grains, grading is not required as the buyer of grains goes by feel and rates. Grading is required only for exports.   The expectations, cooking methods, spices types etc. change from region to region and hence to make uniform grade is difficult.

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